Thread: Ready to give up...

What do you guys think about blade size? Do you think newbies should stick to a 5/8 or a 6/8 blade as they develop technique because these are easier sizes to handle or do you think blade size is strictly a matter of personal preference, beginner or not?

Originally Posted by mbrossar

What do you guys think about blade size? Do you think newbies should stick to a 5/8 or a 6/8 blade as they develop technique because these are easier sizes to handle or do you think blade size is strictly a matter of personal preference, beginner or not?

7/8 or bigger can be a challenge in tight spots, but if you are good with your hands I do not think its a problem. That being said, I think a newbie will only benefit from starting with a 5/8 or 6/8.

Originally Posted by mbrossar

What do you guys think about blade size? Do you think newbies should stick to a 5/8 or a 6/8 blade as they develop technique because these are easier sizes to handle or do you think blade size is strictly a matter of personal preference, beginner or not?

I don't think the size is the big problem here. You can learn to shave with just about any size razor and get good results with it. 5/8-6/8 is good intermediate width and weight, but more important is the actual edge and the balance of the razor.
I can get equally good shaves with anything from 4/8 to 9/8, although I prefer a 6/8 razor.

All right, I'll give it another month. gugi, thanks for the offer on the honing. The Böker's from SRD with the hone for life deal. Since it's going back to Lynn/Don for a check, I figured I'd just throw the REX in for good measure. Guess that puts me into a default straight vacation until they come back. I've also asked them to assess the edges prior to honing to give their first hand opinion on if my issues are sharpness related or something else.

Thanks all for your advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

About that XTG pass on the chin,and some of your other problem areas,a light touch is the secret that worked for me.Also starting those problem passes on a hairless or already shaved area helps.

The one issue I didn't see mentioned may be a technique issue. Along with prep and stretching you may need too look at your chin and visualize the contours as smaller flat planes and then shave these smaller flat planes according to thier needs. It may take a lot of smaller strokes but it gets the job done.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

The one issue I didn't see mentioned may be a technique issue. Along with prep and stretching you may need too look at your chin and visualize the contours as smaller flat planes and then shave these smaller flat planes according to thier needs. It may take a lot of smaller strokes but it gets the job done.

+1 to this!

A lot of people may unknowingly feel that after one pass, your face should feel BBS. I know, cause I am one

I forget who said it, but I read on here, it's not about getting BBS on the first pass, it's about getting closer and closer with each pass.

Don't try to cut the big tree down in one cut, take it down little by little...it makes it easier, and less stressful for you!

Thanks nun2sharp for reminding me of that!